Travel Budget Guide To Oahu

Generally speaking, Hawaii is expensive!! After visiting Oahu 30+ times, I wanted to share my 4 day Travel Budget Guide To Oahu. It is affordable! Now that Southwest Airlines flys there, the competition for lower fares is abundant.

How To Travel to Oahu For Cheap

All in all, this particular trip cost me $172 including airfare, hotel, and a car rental. Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card and hotels.com awards played a major role in lowering the cost.

Flights

Booking With Chase’s Travel Partners

One of Chase’s partners is Air France. When I searched award travel on AirFrance.com, I saw round trip tickets for 30,000 points + $11.20 for taxes per person. The flight is actually operated by Delta since they are SkyTeam partners. Retail value of this ticket: $649.00. Total savings (for 2 people: $1,275.60)

Booking Flight Tickets Without Rewards Points

Although many travel search engines exist, in my opinion Google Flights is the best way to find the cheapest fares. I scored a ticket for $188 for my latest trip to Hawaii on United.

Car Rental

First of all, I suggest renting a car to explore the island as the public transportation is limited. Priceline.com is a great tool. Second, always book free cancellation rates. I’ll let you in on a secret. Lastly, input you car reservation details on autoslash.com. This website automatically sends an alert when the price of the existing reservation has dropped.

After trying various poke shops, I found Safeway to have the best poke and the cheapest prices. Overall, Safeway provides a large selection therefore I’m sure you won’t leave empty handed. Load up on snacks, drinks and any other essentials.

After checking in to the hotel, walk down to the Moana Surfrider and enjoy drinks at the circle bar beachside facing the ocean. This is one of many perfect locations to watch the sunset with ambiance of live music.

Day 2 – Day Trip to the North Shore

The visitor center is open from 7am – 5pm. It’s FREE! Never the less, it’s disappointing to see guided tours to Pearl Harbor for $70+ when you can just go there on your own. Bags, purses, fanny packs, camera bags, luggages, diaper bags and shopping bags are not permitted, therefore leave the items in the car. In addition lockers are available for rent. Upon entering, pick up your free tickets and head down to the theatre where you will watch a 25 minute documentary. Afterwards, you’ll take a roundtrip boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial.

Next stop is the Dole Plantation. In order to eat the yummiest Dole Whip ($6.25) and get the full experience, you must come here! Parking and entry is free. In the event you would like to learn more about the Dole Plantation, guided tours are available for an additional cost.

After this snack, it’s time to hit the beach. During November/December the waves are quite strong and very dangerous due to waves breaking very close to shore. There’s also a rock from which you can jump off. Parking is free. On the other hand, it can be hard to find parking during peak hours.

Certainly, let’s not forget about dessert! On the way back to the hotel, stop by the famous Waiola Shave Ice. There are a couple locations so find the one nearest to you. Enjoy this delicious dessert for a whopping $2.50. It is so worth it.

Day 3 – Lanikai Beach/Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay

Wake up early because you’re going to want to get breakfast at Boots & Kimo for their famous pancakes drowned with Macadamia Nut sauce. Because of its popularity, expect a line when you come. However it’s all worth the wait. The shrimp Alfredo omelette was heavenly.

Now it’s time to get your tan on at Lanikai Beach. After all, this is my favorite beach on the island of Oahu. Soft white sand, beautiful views of Mokulua Islands just off the shore will leave your inner soul in awe. Street parking is free on Kai’Olena Dr. Walk down the little alley and you will reach paradise.

Make your way down to Hanauma Bay for the best snorkeling on the island! Here’s a tip. Go to any ABC Store and buy your snorkel gear there. I got two sets (goggles with mouth piece) for a total of $20. If you wait till you get to Hanauma Bay to rent, it’s $20 for goggles, mouth piece, and fins. You don’t really need fins. On top of that, renting used snorkel gear is nasty. $1.00 (cash) for parking, $7.50 for admission fee (credit cards accepted) Once you enter you’ll watch a 9 minute video and then you’re free to explore around. No alcohol or food is sold down at the beach.

Day 4 – Last Day

With our flight departing at 8:45 pm we had a bit of time to kill. The first stop in the morning was Marukame Udon. Why? Because every time I walked past this place there was a line out the door. And with over 6,000 reviews on Yelp I’m sure you will find this to be one of the best udon restaurants ever. Beat the line and come early. Nikutama Bowl: $6.25

Booze Cruise

Head down to the beach in front of Duke’s Restaurant and you’ll find a catamaran boat with a blue/white sail. $25 for a 1 hour booze cruise. The crew offers Mai Tai’s and a small selection of beers for $2 – $3. What a great deal considering prices of drinks are usually $10+.

Then finally if you want to splurge a little head on to Duke’s restaurant for some drinks and appetizers. I recommend the coconut mojito $11 – this drink has ruined me because I will never find a drink this good anywhere else.

I hope you’ve found my Travel Budget Guide to Oahu useful. Ready to add Maui to your destination? Check out my travel guide to Maui and the best attraction – Road To Hana in Reverse.

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About Me

Hola! My name is Jenny Chu. I was born and raised in California, lived in Las Vegas for a couple years and now I’ve been living abroad in Barcelona for 3+ years. I’m a proud owner of a lovely Shiba Inu (Señor Nobu) I’m a breast cancer survivor (read my story) snowboarder, foodie and now I spend my time looking for great travel deals.
More about me on www.iheartjennychu.com.